Robert Hatley and Kim Cristobal both are vying for a Montesano City Council seat. Both would be newcomers to the local political scene.

Tell the voters about your background, both personal and professional:

Hatley: My name is Robert Hatley, I am running for Position 3 of Montesano city council. I was born and raised in Grays Harbor. I left in 1991 to join the United States Navy, during Desert Storm. I was a cryptologic Technician and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science with my GI Bill. I left the military in 1998 and went to work for Micron Technology as a test engineer and I am a software engineer for a company that supports semi-conductor companies at this time. We have grown roots in Montesano. We have lived all over and we chose to live in Montesano. We love Montesano and truly believe this is home.

Cristobal: I earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) and have been a Registered Nurse for 28 years, much of the time in Critical Care. Once I obtained my Masters of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) I began teaching in the community college setting. Currently I am a Nursing Instructor at Grays Harbor Community College. I have been married for 27 years and we have three children.

What should the city’s priorities be during budgeting?

Hatley: Obviously, streets and sidewalks always seem to be a priority and I am thrilled to see some of the improvements, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. I also feel supporting youth sports and especially the leagues and teams that take car of city fields. These organizations spend a lot of money on improvements and maintenance. Montesano should reward this; the leases of these fields are not a huge sum, but still take away for further investments. I believe we should refund up to their full lease on a lease on a $2 for $1 basis. This means, an organization invests $2,000, they would be refunded $1,000 of their lease. I think this will encourage further investment and shows good will toward these important community contributors.

Cristobal: Since attending the city council meetings, I understand that roads and sidewalks are a common concern within the community. It seems there is already a plan in place to address this. I believe the city should develop a plan for downtown revitalization. Aberdeen is in the early phases of this process and has even secured funding. If we can methodically give a fresh face to the downtown area, attract new merchants into the vacant business and draw new people/tourists, it will bring more dollars to the city. There is no reason why Montesano cannot be a destination city like Westport or Ocean Shores. How about a few more places to shop, get a bite to eat. When businesses grow, the community thrives and families benefit.

In your opinion, what are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you address those issues?

Hatley: The biggest issue is the water treatment facility. This is being managed well, but will need oversight for the foreseeable future. I would like to be involved in the process and help make sure the ball is not dropped at any point. The failure of the water treatment plant would affect Montesano, but could really hurt our neighbors downstream from us. Another issue is creating jobs and bringing new occupation to Montesano. I work a virtual job, I would like to promote Montesano as a great place to live for virtual workers.

Cristobal: I see much potential when I walk and drive around the city. What is puzzling is why there are many homes (and some businesses) in a state of disrepair. Is it resources? Is it time? I would first like to address the high number of foreclosed homes (non-occupied) and why they languish in that state for years. My plan is to reach out to the banks and real estate companies to see how the homes can best be connected with a potential new owner. Second, I would like to assist the homeowners with a sense of “pride in ownership.” What I mean by that is this: we are all part of the larger community. Therefore if I as a homeowner do not keep my grass trimmed, pull my weeds, store vehicles on the lawn rather than driveway, it degrades the entire neighborhood and the town as a whole. Keeping our homes and yard kept up make the entire community a nice place to live. To start, my plan would be to work cooperatively with the local schools for labor. Many students have community service projects. Perhaps cleaning up the yard of someone who is unable to do so or painting someone’s house could be a possible project.

How do you feel you would get along with the current administration?

Hatley: I spend a lot of time with the current administration. I have attended almost every city council meeting for over a year. I get along with them quite well. We do not always agree, but I have stayed after the meetings a lot to get further information of why a vote went a particular way or what certain members were thinking about issues. If I go from the seat of a citizen to the council I think it will help me drive needed improvements and look at all the details. I am an engineer, details and oversight are very important to me.

Cristobal: In attending the City Council meetings I have witnessed the collegiality of the current board. I have also seen first-hand how the Mayor has handled difficult council meetings when the community has barraged her with concerns. Their (the council’s) willingness to hear each of the citizens’ feedback despite challenging circumstances in light of controversial subjects and remain neutral was amazing. I believe I can contribute successfully to this council and the city as a whole.

The general election is Nov. 7. Ballots will be mailed out by Oct. 20.